Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Gimlet is a classic Gin-based cocktail that dates back to the 19th century.

Originally crafted with just Gin and Lime Cordial, this easy-to-make, two-ingredient cocktail has been the inspiration for countless cocktails.

In the ’90s, Vodka replaced Gin as the spirit of choice for the Gimlet. However, in recent years, Gin has made a comeback as the go-to spirit. 

A personal favorite of both me and Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, the Gimlet proves that simplicity is often best.

How To Make a Gimlet

 What You’ll Need

• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Mixing Glass
• Paring Knife
• Bar Spoon
• Julep Strainer
• Peeler
• Coupe Glass or Martini Glass

How to Mix

1. Measure and pour Beefeater Gin into a Mixing Glass using a Jigger.
2. Measure and add Lime Cordial to the Mixing Glass.
3. Add plenty of Ice Cubes.
4. Mix the cocktail with a Bar Spoon until ice cold.
5. Strain using a Julep Strainer into a Coupe Glass.
6. Peel a strip of Lime Zest, express its oils over the Glass, and drop it in as garnish.
7. Sip and enjoy!

The History of the Gimlet 

The Gimlet’s history runs parallel to the Rum-based Grog cocktail. Its roots are tied to the British Royal Navy in the 19th century, where a Royal Navy surgeon reportedly recommended mixing Gin with Lime Juice to prevent scurvy and encouraging sailors to consume it. 

A ship chandler then devised a method to fortify Lime Juice with Sugar rather than alcohol. The combination of Gin and Lime Cordial would become the recipe for the Gimlet. While Navy officers drank their Gimlets, sailors mixed the Lime concoction with Rum, leading to the creation of another cocktail known as Grog.

Though the Gimlet had been enjoyed for centuries, its first documented recipe appeared in a cocktail book in 1928, suggesting equal parts Gin and Lime Cordial. 

Over time, the Gimlet has evolved, and today it’s often made using the classic ‘sour’ formula of fresh citrus juice, sugar, and a spirit base. The Gimlet has inspired countless drinks, the least not the Daiquiri, which could even be described as a Rum-inspired version of a Gimlet. 

Tips for Making the Perfect Gimlet 

• Make your own Lime Cordial
  If you want the flavor of real Lime Zest, then homemade Lime Cordial is the way to go. It’s more sore than store-bought Cordial, but the good news is that you can adjust the sweetness or sourness to your liking. Here’s how to make Lime Cordial:

1. Gather the zest from 4 large limes and set aside.
2. Juice the 4 large limes and combine with the zest.
3. In a saucepan, mix 350 ml of water, 150 g of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of citric acid.
4. Add the lime zest and juice to the saucepan.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
6. Allow to cool before using or storing.

   And there you have it – homemade Lime Cordial!
   

• Stir until perfectly diluted
  When stirring your cocktail in the Mixing Glass, stir until ice cold and perfectly diluted. How do you know when it’s perfectly diluted? When you taste it and you like what you taste. It’s as simple as that!

Variations of a Gimlet 

• Chelsea Vodka Gimlet
  Prefer Vodka than Gin in your Gimlet? This is your drink. This Vodka version of the Gimlet follows the same recipe as the classic Gin-based Gimlet but swaps the Gin for Vodka. Discover the recipe for a Chelsea Vodka Gimlet.
• Citron Gimlet
  My personal favorite. This Lemon-forward Gimlet variation replaces Gin with Lemon-Flavored Vodka to blend the flavor of two different citrus fruits. There’s no Lime Cordial in this Lemon-Vodka version of the Gimlet. Instead, it mixes Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice and Simple Syrup then garnished with a Lime Twist. The result is a much zestier version of the Gimlet.

  So simple, so perfect and ideal for any occasion. Check out our recipe for a Citron Gimlet.

• Rum Gimlet
  Looking for another twist on a classic Gimlet? The Rum Gimlet uses the same recipe as the Gimlet on this page but – you guessed it – substitutes Gin for Cuban Rum. Here, the Rum offers a completely different profile than Gin and is absolutely delicious. Here’s how to make a Rum Gimlet.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Gimlet 

A classic Gimlet should be served in a Coupe Glass or a Martini Glass. The traditional garnish for a Gimlet is Lime Zest and, well, it’s perfect.